By Arré Bench May. 13, 2020
Bryan Adams posted an absolutely tone-deaf and racist comment on the pandemic. Don’t think his plea of “Please forgive me” is going to work this time.
The pandemic has introduced us to some harsh realities, like the healthcare system across the world is fragile, Donald Trump is delusional, and that our childhood music hero Bryan Adams is a WhatsApp uncle.
The Canadian rockstar took to Instagram to post an explosive rant on the pandemic. The post, which is still online with comments disabled, read, “Tonight was supposed to be the beginning of a tenancy of gigs at the @royalalberthall, but thanks to some fucking bat eating, wet market animal selling, virus making greedy bastards, the whole world is now on hold, not to mention the thousands that have suffered or died from this virus. My message to them other than “thanks a fucking lot” is go vegan.” The post was accompanied by a song titled Cuts Like A Knife.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) on
Amy Go, president of the Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice, criticised the singer, saying, “This is so irresponsible and just so, so, so, so racist. People look up to public figures. He is seen as an idol by many.” She also hinted at the fact that the post could stoke hatred for Chinese-Canadians.
Amy Go, president of the Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice called Bryan Adams’ Instagram post racist and believes it could stoke hatred of Chinese-Canadians. https://t.co/wRTNqOPH99 @liam_britten
— CBC News (@CBCNews) May 12, 2020
It took the internet no time to cancel Adams, whose views are similar to that of uncles who believe everything they receive as a WhatsApp forward.
Looks like someone’s views on race are stuck in the summer of ‘69.
— Amanda, Sister Michael’s Judo Partner (@IsThisThingOn31) May 12, 2020
Many slammed him for promoting conspiracy theories like the virus originating in a lab, or spreading from someone eating a bat, neither of which have been proven.
I have to admit that I never thought I’d be saying the words “Bryan Adams is a racist conspiracy theorist”, but these these times are showing some people for who they really are.
I won’t be listening to his music anymore.
— Wash Your Hands🏳️🌈🇨🇦🏠 (@CanadianLeftie) May 12, 2020
Others had a field day with Bryan Adams’ meltdown. The plot twist from a rant about the coronavirus to asking people to go vegan could have its own Oscar category. Others were simply shocked to learn this about someone they adored 30 years back.
*sees Bryan Adams is trending: huh I wonder if he’s doing some sort of #Covid19 benefit or something
*clicks on trend: pic.twitter.com/PanvbffIjC
— Torrance Coste (@TorranceCoste) May 12, 2020
Bryan Adams: Hurls a slew of racist, scapegoating accusations.
Also Bryan Adams: “Go vegan!” pic.twitter.com/qLcmaVreys
— Dr. NadineSTANCING Thornhill Ed.D (she/her) (@NadineThornhill) May 12, 2020
All the outrage forced the singer to issue an apology. “Apologies to any and all that took offence to my posting yesterday. No excuse, I just wanted to have a rant about the horrible animal cruelty in these wet-markets being the possible source of the virus, and promote veganism. I have love for all people and my thoughts are with everyone dealing with this pandemic around the world.” Along with the post, he shared a song that he would have performed at the Royal Albert Hall, titled Into The Fire.
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A post shared by Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) on
The apology didn’t sit down well either with fans. Or should we say former fans? It was further criticised for being unrepentant and making excuses for racism.
I highlighted Bryan Adams’ apology. He needs Alison Roman’s ghost writer.
Magenta: Non-apology
Yellow: Doubling down!
Red: I’m the one being persecuted! I’m the real victim!
Blue: I’m a good person! Don’t judge me by my actions, but by what’s in my heart.
Green: The apology. pic.twitter.com/uPgVr4GT8s
— Mekka *My Mask Protects You* Okereke (@mekkaokereke) May 13, 2020
PETA issued a statement in favour of Adams, with Senior VP Dan Mathews stating, “Wet markets’ and disease-ridden slaughterhouses around the world are superhighways for contagion and must be closed now. Humans brought this pandemic upon themselves through their addiction to meat, and the surest way to prevent future outbreaks is to stop supporting slaughter by going vegan.”
In a new statement, #PETA reacted to #BryanAdams‘ comments regarding the #coronavirus pandemic and the global meat trade. https://t.co/5Wq6vYhqkh
— billboard (@billboard) May 12, 2020
While some have cancelled Bryan Adams, can we also cancel 2020? We are not ready for these surprises yet.
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